No Clue About the World Cup? Let These Fashionable Fans Help You Choose Your Team

You don’t need me to tell you the World Cup final, taking place this Sunday, July 15, is a big deal. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely witnessed the highs, the lows, the hotties, and the incredible jerseys—hello, Nigeria!—of the 2018 tournament in Russia. If you’re anything like this Argentinian fan—already a displaced Italy fan—there’s a chance your favorite team or home country has already been eliminated in one of this World Cup’s many startling upsets. With just France and Croatia remaining, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the trophy—and its monogram Louis Vuitton travel case.

If you’re not a soccer fan at all, you might be willed to choose a favorite side based on their contributions to the fashion world. France obviously has given us such stylish essentials as the little black dress (Chanel), the New Look (Dior), and the Breton striped shirt; while Croatia is home to current modeling wunderkind Faretta and is also, you might be surprised to hear, the birthplace of the cravat. Not convinced either way? To help sway the tide, Vogue asked fashion-world fans of each team to explain why you should abandon your allegiances and root for their team.

“I’ve never been a regular soccer fan, but watching the World Cup is always so fun. I was 8 when France won in 1998, and I still remember it so well. People lost it! It’s a positive type of patriotism, and it’s pretty special how this sport brings people together. You should root for France because have you seen Benjamin Pavard’s angelic face?”

Faretta, model, rooting for Croatia

“I have been a fan since I was born! But I have been watching football since I was 8 years old. I am that girl who knows all the soccer terms and watched every game from beginning to end. No phone calls and no talking allowed while I watch a game! Root for Croatia because our team plays in a really connected way, they know each other so well and know how to work as a team. They have everything in terms of skills and strategy, but they don’t just kick the ball—they are playing football with their hearts. There is nothing that can unite Croatian people like soccer can! The coach really knows where every player belongs, so he puts them on the positions where they are the best! We are a small country of only 4 million people, but we are the ones who always get recognized as one of the best. Nothing ever destroyed our faith no matter how hard times can be. I am really proud of our team and how they have represented us to the world. These guys deserve this!”

Haider Ackermann, designer, rooting for France

“The World Cup is more than a sport, it’s about national pride, the whole country is now smiling and forgetting about life’s daily struggles. Thank you to this beautiful and young team who generate hope and confidence.”

Helena Suric, Vogue Booking Director, rooting for Croatia

“Croatia is hard not to root for—who hasn’t been the underdog at least once? For all those whose country didn’t make it to the final, or even make it to the World Cup, they are welcome to cheer for Croatia. Our team comes from a small country, with a big heart. If that’s not enough, our red-and-white checkered uniform is as great as they come!”

Cindy Bruna, model, rooting for France

“The first World Cup that I remember was in 2006. I was 12 and a big fan of Zinedine Zidane, same with everyone else in France back then. To be honest, I’ve always been a huge fan of football. My brother-in-law is a football player himself, so I couldn’t have had better influences! I was actually in Russia for the semifinal game, and I am trying to go back for the final! What I love about the French team it represents how France is so multicultural. I myself am French and mixed race, so I feel connected to them. The team is strong, with great young players such as Mbappé, and they have such incredible teamwork! I’m proud to support them—they show the French spirit I’m keen on.”

“I’ve been a fan for as long as there’s been a team. Growing up, I spent my summers in Dubrovnik and grew up supporting Hajduk Split. You should root for them 1.) If you’re Croatian, you have to cheer them on, and 2.) The only reason you shouldn’t root for them is if you’re French.”

Christelle Kocher, Designer, Rooting for France

“I love sports and I practice almost everyday since I was a little kid! My father used to live in the East of France, one block away from Arsène Wenger the mythical coach of Arsenal soccer team. They were best friends. Since then, I am really a soccer fan and, of course, I love our national team. France ’98 was a huge moment of joy! France team is one of the very youngest of the tournament and they are finalists. It is great! It is so enthusiastic to see a new generation of players achieving such an incredible performance. Go France!”

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